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the 16th ***TAMOXIFEN***thread

989 replies

MaryAnnSingleton · 10/11/2011 16:58

...here we go again

OP posts:
jchocchip · 15/11/2011 10:40

On my way home from rads. It was a bit of a rush getting there this morning.

Thinking of you, MAS,

MaryAnnSingleton · 15/11/2011 11:06

ah bless you jane and pink

hope dcs get over virus soon pink and have a good day jane without rads disruption at the end !

OP posts:
jchocchip · 15/11/2011 11:13

Home now, may fit in a nap before hospital visiting this afternoon..
Hope dcs are feeling better soon, pink.

jchocchip · 15/11/2011 11:33

Bought some primark vest tops this morning, only £2 and £2.50 each. Hope they work, I don't like going bra less but need to avoid rubbing. Boob a bit swollen this morning, Tell myself it is worth it. I felt so well when I started the rads. Missing my swimming, Ive also managed to put on 4lb, oops. I tell myself I'm lucky because my prognosis is good and I kept my boob, but also have moments of doubt when I start thinking of it happening again...

Oh well, must cheer up, I'm sure there is some dark chocolate somewhere. [goes to look in cupboards for fbs emoticon]

DeeScent · 15/11/2011 12:43

Ooh, ladies, have any of you come across this product? A home screening gadget.

breastlight

It's sold on the Boots website.

"The results of a trial that took place at City Hospitals Sunderland are being presented at the European Institute of Oncology's 12th Breast Cancer Conference in Milan on 17th June 2010. The trial involved 300 women and was designed to assess whether Breastlight could detect abnormalities and cancers. The Sunderland researchers concluded that the device was accurate and suitable for women to use at home as part of their breast awareness routine."

Quotes from docs who did the trial at Sunderland City Hospital:

"It appears that Breastlight is effective in the detection of malignant tumours and in some cases can differentiate between malignant and benign disease. This device will prove to be of particular value to women who experience difficulty in self examination - for example those with a history of recurrent cysts." Mr Obi Iwuchukwu, Consultant Breast Surgeon, Sunderland City Hospital

"It appears that this device does not cause unnecessary anxiety, nor is it likely to result in a number of false positives. It could prove useful for younger women who do not benefit from routine mammogram testing and often have more aggressive cancers." Jayant Vaidya, Consultant Breast Surgeon, UCLH

As my tiny cancer was not found on the initial routine screening but on the recall mammos, I'm looking for everything that may help with early detection. BCN says screening is only 70-80% effective. Thought I might pay privately for ultrasound as well as annual mammo. And what about this gadget??!! Any thoughts?

MaryAnnSingleton · 15/11/2011 13:42

I've heard of it, but really am not sure if it's a good idea - I wouldn't want one.

OP posts:
jchocchip · 15/11/2011 14:21

Interesting gadget, but as I am now being monitored closely given that the horse has bolted, it may be not that relevant for me. Maybe for my daughters, as they are young and it could help them be more breast aware as they get a bit older.

amberlight · 15/11/2011 14:43

Pass me the gin please. I don't drink gin, but since it's virtual gin on here, I'm sure that won't matter.
Done herceptin.
Raced to other hospital to meet dh so we could see his eye consultant about his two eye operations.
They'd forgotten his appointment.
Two hours later, we were seen.
This is a bit too much for an Amber Confused and I've got to do all the driving tonight, and the scary sensory-challenge radiotherapy planning tomorrow by myself with people I don't know, then on Thursday teach a well known breast charity about autism and how to help people like me so we don't panic or cry.

triplets · 15/11/2011 15:05

May I butt in? I just wondered if any of you on here could advise. My dh has been battling bowel cancer since Feb 08, also spread to his liver and lung. After exhaustive rounds of chemo and surgery he has been all clear since Jan!!:) He has recently had 2 routine blood tests done and both show that his platelet count is low, the first test it was 81, three weeks later it is 71. It is 14 months since his last chemo. His gp is going to contact the onco, should I be worried its cancer connected? Thanks, and good luck and strenght to you all.

smee · 15/11/2011 15:08

MAS, hope you're okay. I can imagine it's a weird day, even though it was so many years ago. Will you raise a toast to him tonight maybe?

Dee, sounds like a good gadget. No point for me, as am breast-less, but I can see why you'd be tempted. I'd worry about being obsessional over it if it were me, but I can see too it might be really reassuring. How often have your team said you'll be tested from now on? That might help you decide.

OneinEight, I had a fantastic thing from Primark, . Sort of thing they do for teenagers, so like a bra, but more of a cut off vest (bandeau?). I haven't seen one as big since - they do them, but they're all for kids, so small, but it was fantastic post op as it gave support/ stopped rubbing without being too firm iyswim.

I have just had my implant 'pumped up'. Always amuses me that with all the science, that's the best terminology they can find. Grin

Am keeping all crossed for Drift. Not sure what time her appt is, but I know she said late afternoon.

smee · 15/11/2011 15:10

triplets, I really don't know. Hope it's not though. You do sound like you've been through it. Sad

smee · 15/11/2011 15:11

Special huge hug for Amber. >> Have a bawl. All sounds overwhelming. You are amazing though. I hope you know that. xx Smile

topsyturner · 15/11/2011 15:17

Hi triplets . I am not particularly knowledgable (head firmly buried in the sand) , do you have a cancer nurse you can call and ask ? (we have breast care nurses that we can phone with any queiries)
Or maybe phone Macmillan and ask them if there is anyone you can speak to ?
Apart from that yo could phone the Oncs secretary and ask her to keep an eye out for the GP letter , so she can get you seen as soon as possible . The waiting around is always the hardest bit isn't it ?

Dee if the breast light raises awareness then it's got to be a good thing .

Smee smirk re being pumped up Grin

Amber reaches out and gives you a big hug .

MaryAnnSingleton · 15/11/2011 15:37

triplets I can't help either I'm afraid,but hope all is ok.
huge hugs for amber - very,very unsettling to have dh's appointment 'forgotten' - I'd be very grrr.
I think the breastlight,in the overly anxious might lead to more anxiety, but that's just my opinion- don't really trust home diagnosis gadgets.
You should be seen by your team for a few years anyway,with yearly mammos. The follow-ups seem to vary around the country -mine are every 6 months for 2-3 years.
smee I think I will have wine tonight to toast him.

OP posts:
MaryAnnSingleton · 15/11/2011 15:37

is it like a bicycle pump smee Grin ~?

OP posts:
smee · 15/11/2011 15:43

A toast sounds lovely, MAS. Seems important to remember, though am sure it's hard too.

How are you today, Topsy? Is your broadband at warp speed yet?

Breast pumping involves a huge-normous syringe full of saline, pushed through a port, just under the skin. You can actually see your breast expanding as it goes in. Grin

Pink are you surviving your lurgy filled DC being at home? Hope so. Smile

topsyturner · 15/11/2011 15:52

Doesn't appear to be any discernable difference smee , but it's unlimited downloads . (thank goodness as I have a 12 year old boy in the house who is into his online game playing !)

Who is having what for dinner tonight ?
I have no idea what to make , may yet end up with take away .

smee · 15/11/2011 15:58

DH is away, so I'm on my standard fish cakes and salad. Am trying to eat more watercress, as I read somewhere it helps fight cancer. Has anyone else heard that?

KurriKurri · 15/11/2011 16:11

That seems to ring a bell Smee, - good news for me - I love watercress, (watercress soup esp. nice)

Hugs to MAS, - a toast is a lovely idea

Big hugs to amber - you are doing well girl, you've got a lot on your plate at the moment.

triplets - I'm sorry I don't know the answer to your question, as others have suggested, could you ring the oncologists secretary and ask if he/she could ring your DH to talk it over? - It does sound as if you've both been through a very tough time, so best wishes to you.
Also you may get more answer if you start a separate thread in health - there might be someone who's been through similar, or is a HCP. (Not that you aren't very welcome on this thread of course, - but just trying to think what would yield most replies for you Smile)

fingers crossed for Drift. Love to all - keeping this post short as I've got to finish my book club book, - I am a very slow reader and am starting to panic!

KurriKurri · 15/11/2011 16:13

Oh - someone asked about bras, - I had one of those bra extender things - like a sort of extra bit of strap, so you can increase the width at the back while you are very much post op., but remove it once you are healed so your bra is back to normal size. I think I got mine in John Lewis.

OneInEight · 15/11/2011 16:59

Thanks for the ideas ladies. Hadn't thought of vest tops but will look into that. If I left it to d.h. to sort out after the op. goodness knows what he would come back other than the obligatory reduced label that accompanies all his purchases.

topsyturner · 15/11/2011 17:17

Any news from drift yet ?
Hope all is okay .

DeeScent · 15/11/2011 17:21

bra extenders for those of you on ebay

Hope Drift is doing okay.

Golly, amber, that's rubbish being forgotten. Wishing you strength to get through everything you're contending with.

Re the breast light - I wonder if someone pre dx might use it and discover something? Some of these cancers are whoppers when they're discovered. I've got to become generally "breast aware" which I haven't before although my tumour was not a palpable lump anyway. I don't yet know how often the check-ups will be.

Triplets I hope you get some solid and hopefully reassuring info from somewhere soon. I'm glad your dh has done so well.

Topsy we are having cod and prawns in probably a bought pesto sauce on a bed of noodles. Bung together and fry!

Have cracked on with Christmas shopping today and now I'm going to search the web for a mushroom growing kit for dh.

topsyturner · 15/11/2011 17:29

Need some ideas for what to get DH for Christmas .
All he likes are cars .
But he would hate one of those "day playing in a ferrari" thingies .
He has 2 subscriptions for his car porn magazines .
And is getting his new car delivered jan/feb .

Sigh ... he is awkward sod !

DeeScent · 15/11/2011 17:36

Doesn't sound like your dh would be thrilled with a mushroom growing kit!!! Grin An accessory for his new wheels perhaps?